If you’re feeling a little lonely, uninspired, or perhaps just a snitch too siloed in your
home office…
Would you like to come to a little shindig I’m hosting
here in Sydney?
*readies ‘non-zoom’ outfit*
(aka the one with pants)
For the record, it’s *not* one of those huge summit-y things that:
😬 cost many hundreds of dollars
😰 squish you into a sweaty perspex bucket seat for 7 hours alongside 300 ‘new business friends’
🫨 bubble you over with ideas, and
👋 ferry you out the door — or, perhaps more disappointingly, straight into another offer…
Instead, it’s a business social — anchored by a live podcast-style discussion,
where you’ll be:
☺️ In a room with around 30 other online business owners (and precisely ZERO perspex bucket seats)
😋 Enjoying a parade of delicious nibbly things (think whipped ricotta crostinis with pear and prosciutto, and beef sliders with sweet ‘n salty pickles)
🍸Enlisting the services of a ready-to-please bartender, starting with a free cocktail *or* mocktail on arrival
🍿Pulling up a seat for a 45-minute podcast-style stint part-way through the afternoon, as I pick the brains of a trio of business owners I’ve known, loved, and admired for years on topics they’re uniquely qualified to weigh in on, like what it *actually* takes to host a 250-person event — one where you’re flying speakers in from the US and UK (and whether it’s worth it…), what it feels like when you flip the bird to conventional business wisdom and do it your own way, and what the eff happens — to your ambition, your capacity, your compass — when kids enter the equation
👏 Then enjoying the new level of flow that exists in all the conversations that come after
“Did you hear what Rach said about
her summit? I can’t BELIEVE that happened!”
“Omigod, I know — and then the size of Nikita’s event? And how she went about securing funding for it? Genius! Where’s all THIS intel on social media?”
“Hah! Right? But yesss, so interesting to get this take. I feel like I’m more inclined to play with one of Nadine’s ideas — I *love* how she’s found a way to make online stuff so engaging and meaningful. Or otherwise maybe a small retreat like the one Kirsty did in Mexico? Anyway, that piece is definitely a future-me thing—” *points to pregnant belly* “ — but it was really… reassuring? Buoying, maybe? To hear them all talk about how they held space for ambition after becoming parents.”
“Yes! So great to hear people actually have that conversation. Kind of gives that permission, right?”
“Exactly! I really struggled with that when my three were little. Oo, actually, that out-of-the-box idea they workshopped together — the ‘school hours only’ one. How do you reckon that might work in a business like yours?”
And so on and so forth until the venue kicks us out 😉
This is just an outline of what happens in the room, by the way
Pre and post-event conversations are also part of the deal (*if* you want them to be!), thanks to:
a living directory, so you can see who’s going to be there ahead of time, and easily (re)connect with people AFTER the event
(optional!) Voxer dates with 2 to 3 other attendees, complete with (relevant) conversation starters, so you don’t have to lead with banter about the weather AND you walk into the room having already chatted with someone in a meaningful way, and
a Bingo card on arrival, to give you a reason to mingle (because yes, there will be prizes!) and, perhaps more importantly, a map for doing so 😉
The whole idea of this little shindig is that you leave feeling like you just had a genuinely delightful afternoon with a group of peers
You picked their brains, found common ground, gathered — and offered! — ideas and possibilities, felt seen and held in all of ‘it’ (*gestures wildly to indicate the niche, strange, world of online business*), and had a bloody good laugh.
Plus, to top it off, you have the names/numbers/emails/Voxer handles of a handful of people you *really* hit it off with, and (more than likely!) live in close geographical proximity to, which means spontaneous coffee dates, quarterly long lunches, and annual Chrissy drinks are all on the cards.
Sound like the kind of thing you’ve been looking for?
Consider this your official invite to…
In Conversation
Think Amy Poehler’s Good Hang, in a group setting…
With a far less witty host 😉
2pm-5pm, Thursday April 23rd
@ The Winery, Surry Hills
$200 AUD + GST
Just so all the nitty gritty details are in one place—
Here’s what’s included
with your ticket
→ Easy access and tailored introductions to the other brilliant business owners in the room before, during, and after the event
→ Entry to our own private space — The Mezzanine — at the Winery in Surry Hills
→ Three hours of delicious canapes (and yes, all dietaries will be happily catered for!)
→ A cocktail or mocktail on arrival, plus the option to grab more drinks from the bar at will (any additional drinks are at your own cost, to keep ticketing fair for non-drinkers), and
→ A comfy seat at a podcast-style discussion part-way through the afternoon, as well as the chance to guide the conversation via pre-event requests and in-the-moment questions
Wondering who and what will feature in this discussion?
Let me fill you in 😉
I’ll be sitting down with three women I’ve admired for a long time — for their accomplishments, but also (or perhaps moreso?) for their ingenuity, honesty, and the way they’ve set their *own* bars for success — to pick their brains on three key themes:
#1: Hosting events
What does it actually involve to run a conference/retreat/online event? Is it worth it? What do you wish you knew going in? What made the biggest impact on/for attendees? And for YOUR business? Perhaps most importantly, would you do it again?
#2: Thinking outside the box
What happens when you don’t follow conventional business wisdom? How do you know when an idea’s worth pursuing? What happens when you’re already invested before you realise it was actually a bit of a misfire? How does this kind of experimentation help you and your business keep up (or ideally ahead of!) a changing world?
#3: Business and parenthood
The motherload (like, can we normalise it? Maybe add some colour to it to any not-yet-but-maybe-one-day parents in the room? And also: can we delight in some of it? Make it less binary i.e. not “it’s an honour and a privilege!” vs “it’s incredibly bloody shit and I’m going to burn all my bras and join a commune” but both, and often within the same hour…), ambition (what happens to it? How do you cultivate it without a ‘room of one’s own’?), and learning to work within very real limitations
I haven’t picked these themes willy nilly, by the way!
Rather, I picked the people, then spent some time nutting out what they’re uniquely qualified to speak to… and which of their zones of genius felt most exciting and relevant to gain access to
On that note, I think it’s time you met these wonderful women…
Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist for architects.
For over a decade, she's helped architecture firms (from all around the world) put their value into words so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects.
She’s also the co-founder of ArchiCon, the only unboring business conference built specifically for architects who want to run better businesses.
She’s known for her slightly provocative LinkedIn posts and newsletters that architects describe as "scary good".
She’s a mum of 4, and started her wildly successful business when she was pregnant with her first.
Rachel Smith is a freelance journalist, copywriter, podcaster, and all-round passionate word nerd.
She left the 9–5 more than two decades ago, and now splits her time between freelance work and running Rachel’s List – a jobs board and membership for writerly folk.
She’s a seasoned event host, with her biggest, boldest undertaking being the 2-day, 100-person Content Byte Summit.
In Rachel’s spare time (of which there is none — did I also mention she has an 11-year-old), she daydreams about starting an annual writers’ retreat involving nothing more than a room with a view, a desk, good snacks and oodles of time to work on her as-yet-unstarted bestseller.
Nadine Nethery is a CX expert and retention strategist who helps online business owners intentionally attract, retain, and wow their dream customers.
She spent 10 years in corporate, got made redundant when her second bub was three-months old (classy, eh?), and is just about to celebrate her 9th year in business.
Her speciality is thinking outside the box to deliver fresh strategies that help you build a sustainable, audience-centred business —
Something she’s done inside her own business many a time (her first ever scavenger hunt resulted in a 50% increase in her email list, a $9,180 boost in revenue from digital product sales, and the acquisition of two new clients… all without advertising spend. Genius!).
This is the first time I’m hosting
In Conversation, so I can’t show
you glowing reviews from ‘past attendees’, but I can show you feedback from the last couple of
in-person events I’ve run…
“I've always gotten value from getting in the same physical room as other people in my industry, but this was on a whole other level.
There's a certain kinda magic that comes with being able to talk about things over a meal, over a marg… It allowed for a level of honesty and realness that opened up new depths of insights and 'aha's that I've never experienced—
A statement that holds true even when compared to the most *superb* of online group experiences, of which I've had plenty!
Your ability to own your expertise and still embody all that is Kirsty - fun, funny, generous, whip-smart, caring...it made the experience SUCH a privilege.
And the connections I made? Holy shit, that was just the absolute cherry on top.”
— MIISH GRIXTI
“This was hands down the most amazing in-person event I've invested in. It was such a wonderful mix of business talk and making new friends. Couldn't have asked for a better agenda, cohort, or hosts. 11/10 would do it again.
There's something about a shared EXPERIENCE that takes a group to the next level. Real hugs. Chips and guac. Honest conversations (that aren't being recorded). Vulnerability gets to the next level. You really can't get that deep online.
It was worth every penny — and then some. It fueled my mind, body, and spirit unlike any other event ever has.”
.— LINDSAY HOPE
“1000x better than anything I've ever done! The intimacy was glorious.
Online experiences can definitely be enriching, but there really is no sufficient substitute for connecting with biz buddies in real life.
Being able to laugh, hug, and high-five without a doubt deepens the experience tenfold. Makes everything more tangible, more real, and more betterer.”
— KRISTIN MACINTYRE
“It was incomparable to any other in-person event I've ever attended. You created a space where we were so authentic, honest, and raw together, which is why there were so many beautiful AH-HA moments throughout.
There was so much thoughtful attention to detail throughout, you made each one of us feel incredibly special.
Investing in something like this, and choosing to surround yourself with some of the best brains in business, gives you an immediate mindset upgrade (like swapping out an old Ford Fiesta for a new Ferrari!). It was completely incomparable to any online experience.”
.— DELIA MONK
“I've gone to so many conferences and can honestly say they were all awful by comparison!
There really IS no comparison to something like this that feels comfortable, helpful and the right amount of intimate to actually get to know others in a real way. 100/100
Seriously, I had so much social anxiety coming into this (I don't deserve a seat at the table type head trash) that disappeared when I arrived. This group of people was incredible. Nurturing, kind, respectful, and I didn't feel the competitiveness or frenetic energy of a typical copywriter affair.
I loved loved the chance to connect naturally with people 1:1, as that is where I'm happiest, and I had that chance with every single person there!”
.— HEATHER DILEEPAN
Pass the vibe check?
In Conversation is kind of a weird idea
for an online business event in that it
doesn’t fit the typical mould…
✘ It’s not purely a learning experience (like a conference)
✘It’s not an in-person component of — or an upsell into — a bigger program (like a mastermind)
✘ And it’s not a catered meet ‘n greet (like a business mixer) where the onus is on you/your table head to find things to talk about and exchange details with people before the clock runs out and your Uber home turns into a pumpkin.
Instead, it’s a direct response to the ‘eh, kinda missed the mark’ elements of all these things, with bloody good conversation at its core
So, if you prefer:
→ Considered answers over a shiteload of ideas
→ Honesty over show and tell
→ Connection over schmoozing
→ And the idea of the time together in the room being just one part of the invitation to connect—
You’re in the right place, and I would LOVE to be In Conversation with you 😉
Nervous about being in a space with a bunch of online business owners you don’t know?
Well, the good news is you’re normal (hooray!), and the better news is creating safe, impactful small group spaces is my jam…
“I only knew Kirsty and one other copywriter (coming into the event). As a-sometimes-awkward/always-introverted soul, I had some feelings about it.
But this was the absolute most delicious, big-hearted, beautiful group of humans. Just warmth and connection from the onset - I'm blown away.”
— KATIE BOYCE
“Honestly Kirsty I don't know how you do it, but the community you created was unlike any other.
The level of vulnerability and sharing going on in the group was truly amazing. I got to discuss questions that people don't ask in other communities.”
— ANNIE BACHER
"I *loved* how you set things up, in the beginning, to make me feel safe. I felt completely supported and encouraged to interact & take advantage!
The size of the group made me feel seen and like I could actually build connections, not like I was just another number.”
.— MICHELLE EHRENSAAL
Actually, to let you in on a little secret…
I had the idea for In Conversation while I was planning Chrissy drinks with Nikita, Rach, and Nadine (aka the three brilliant women I’m interviewing at this event).
Nikita and I had been doing ‘lonely business woman Christmas parties’ — aka a weekday lunch at Jimmy’s Falafel, which always wrapped up in time for school/daycare pickup — for a good few years (thanks to the fact we were once in the same mastermind together), but it took us six whole years to add to our crew.
*enter Rach and Nadine*
Now…
Maybe you’re cooler or more connected than I was…
Or maybe more of your business buddies and ‘just really vibe with them!’ peers live in the same city as you…
But on the off chance neither of those things are true, can I just tell you, this whole business gig is so much better with real-life, can touch-em-in-person friends.
Sure, it’s the annual Chrissy lunch, and the twice a year coffee dates, and meeting up at various events and retreats around the globe (and writing all those things off on tax)...
But, more than that, it’s being able to shoot off a quick email, or leave a rambling whatsapp, and not have to pretend anything.
✘ No preamble.
✘ No justification.
✘ No apologies for ‘being busy and not replying to your last message!’
Because these people do what you do.
They experience very similar challenges to you (luckily, they have different strengths — an absolutely stellar part of this whole set-up!).
They can enter a conversation with context — about a lead gen flywheel, or that douchebag who’s currently plastered all over LI, or the fact Active Campaign has shat itself again this week — and hit the ground running.
They can say, “oh, man, that’s really shit. I had a similar thing happen last year, and here’s what I did, and here’s what I found.”
They cut your learning curve, hold your vision when you can’t, give an honest appraisal of that idea you’re toying with, or that course you’re thinking of joining.
And, unlike the people you hang out with inside group programs and masterminds and co-working spaces (all very valuable too, by the way!), these points of interaction don’t cost a cent.
Look —
I’m *not* saying you’ll feel this kind of connection with everyone in the room if you come along to In Conversation (in fact, I’d be surprised if you did!).
I’m also *not* saying you’ll instantly move from pre-event Voxer date → great convo at the event → annual Chrissy lunch for ever and ever (sporadic coffee dates might be your starting point).
But I am saying the opportunity is yours for the taking—
And that In Conversation is 100% geared to putting all the building blocks for meaningful connection right in your lap.
So, if this kind of connection is calling to you — and you’re ready to exit your own version of the ‘lonely business woman Christmas parties’ — please come. I would LOVE to meet you and get you involved in the kind of conversations that mean something.
Hi, by the way!
If we haven’t met before, I’m Kirsty—
An ex-psychotherapist, ex-copywriter, and ex-pert (see what I did there? 😉) communicator.
Since all of my working life has (happily!) been about connecting people — to themselves, to others, to opportunities — it’s probably no surprise that being able to host an event like this one *really* floats my boat.
FAQs
When and where is it?
Thursday April 23rd from 2pm-5pm at The Mezzanine at The Winery in Surry Hills (click here for exact location). It’s a 15 minute walk from Central Station, a 15 minute walk from the closest tram stop, and there’s a bus stop right out front, with buses leaving every 6 minutes or so from the CBD.
How much are tickets?
$200 AUD+ GST.
How many other business owners will be there?
My best guess is around 30-35. There’s room for more (so if you want to come with a friend, please feel free to extend the invite!), but the goal is that there’s enough of us to make new, meaningful connections — or deepen existing ones — without the overwhelm of a glut of new faces.
What kind of contact will we have with each other before/after the event?
Once you buy your ticket, you’ll receive a form that’ll prompt you for all the usual admin-y type stuff (dietaries, any Qs you’re dying to get answered by the amazing panel etc), as well as some context around what you do and what you’re hoping to get out of the event. With your permission, I’ll pull that intel into (1) a living directory — which will be shared amongst the attendees — so you can see who’s going to be there ahead of time, and easily connect with people AFTER the event, and (2) a matchmaking doc, so I can set you up on Voxer dates with 2 to 3 other attendees, and allow you to walk into the room having already chatted with someone in a meaningful way.
Ok, nice! I AM quite shy/awkward in person though… do you think it’s still worth me coming?
Oh, I am OBSCENELY awkward in person (click here for proof), and I kind of think the best people are ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ To answer this Q more practically, the afternoon will be structured to help ease the jitters, leveraging strategically-placed conversation starters (on the tables, near the windows, near the bar) and bingo cards on arrival — which you don’t have to engage with, but give you a reason to mingle and a map for doing so — just in case you *are* feeling nervous or lost. The podcast-style-discussion will start around 45 minutes in, so you can regroup, recharge, and — perhaps most importantly — build a shared experience with everyone else in the room. I suspect conversation will flow just fine after that 😉
Should I stay overnight?
By all means! Business travel is tax-deductible, right? 😉 The event will finish at 5pm, but I’m sure some people will stay on for another drink and/or some more food. There aren’t any rooms attached to the venue, but I can recommend ADGE Hotel and Residences for something cheap and cheerful, Paramount House Hotel for something kinda bougie, or The Eve if you’re after something seriously luxe. They’re all within easy walking distance from the venue, and Surry Hills is a great place to spend a night — lots of good eats, fun bars, and delicious brekky spots for the following morning.
What’s the dress code?
It’s a licensed venue, and the other parts of it will be open to the public, so while you probably can’t schlep in wearing an old pair of Stubbies, that shirt you repainted your front door in last month, and your crusty, foot-dimpled pluggers, you definitely don’t have to get dressed up! If your outfit makes you happy (whether that’s because you’re comfy *or* because you finally have an excuse to wear something other than your zoom uniform), and covers your naughty bits, you’ve aced it 👏
What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem whatsoever — just let me know on your intake form, which will land in your inbox after you grab your ticket.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
Also no problem! Everyone gets a cocktail *or* mocktail on arrival, and then purchases their own drinks from there. I hate when I’m the one who doesn’t have the vino at lunch, but still pays for my share of everyone else’s, so I didn’t want to put you in the same position.
I’m only really interested in one of the topics for the panel/podcast-style discussion. Should I still come?
If you’re also interested in the other elements of the experience (meeting new people, making genuine connections, enjoying a marg on a Thursday arvo), yes! On the other hand, if you’re really only considering coming for the podcast-esque piece, and only one third of that feels interesting or relevant, save your dollarydoos for something else.
I would LOVE to come, but it’s just too far! Will the podcast part of it be recorded?
It won’t, sorry! I did um and ah about this, but decided against it in the end as I want this to be the kind of space everyone can relax into — where the incredible people I’m chatting with can share all the ugly, not-for-internet-consumption bits, and the incredible people listening can ask the weirdest, curliest, ‘I-feel-like-an-absolute-noob-for-asking-this!’ questions — without fear of footage popping up somewhere later on.
Having said this, I do plan to run this event wherever I travel over the coming months and years, so if it sounds like something you’d love to come to one day, email me to let me know where you want it to pop up next!
I have another question…
Great! Qs are the best. Shimmy it to hello@kirstyfanton.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Questions answered and ready to put yourself In Conversation?
(see what I did there? 😉)